Wills and jointly owned property

Many people don’t realise that when you own property jointly with another person that property will not pass under your will or by intestacy. When making your will it is important that you consider how property is held to ensure that it passes in accordance with your wishes. There are two main ways of owning a property jointly known as […]

What happens if I die without making a Will?

If you die in England or Wales without a legally valid Will the intestacy rules govern who is entitled to receive your assets. If you have no living family members, everything will go to the Crown. Here is a simple guide to how the intestacy rules would distribute your estate if you died without a will. Married or in a […]

Why do I need to make a Will?

A will helps to protect your family’s future and ensures that you control how your assets pass after you die. By writing a will you have certainty that your wishes will be carried out and you can use it to appoint guardians for minor children and make known any specific wishes you many have in terms of individual gifts or […]

How to Escape Inheritance Tax the Legal Way

What is inheritance tax? Inheritance tax was first introduced in 1986. It is a tax that needs to be paid on the property or cash of some people after they die. Currently, the rate is set at 40 percent of all assets that exceed £325,000, so it really only applies to those who leave significant wealth behind when they die. […]

Storing Your Will So It Can Be Found

Often, when a will is written, the last thing the person whose will it is wants is relatives or potential beneficiaries to shuffle through draws and cupboards looking for a piece of paper which will tell them whether they are a beneficiary or not. However, you might think you should conceal it away from prying eyes, but you do not […]